St. Thomas, from 'Christ, Mary and the Apostles' 1555 - 1630

Antonio Tempesta created this engraving of Saint Thomas as part of his series, ‘Christ, Mary and the Apostles’. This print reflects the fervor of the Counter-Reformation, a period of intense religious re-evaluation and artistic production. In the image, Thomas stands triumphant, a symbol of faith's unwavering strength. But I ask, what does it mean to depict faith in such a grandiose, masculine form during a time of religious conflict? Perhaps Tempesta is pointing to the power of belief as a weapon, an armour against doubt and heresy. Note the dramatic use of light and shadow, a technique used to evoke emotional intensity. Consider the stories we tell ourselves about belief, about doubt, and about the figures we elevate to sainthood. Are these stories empowering, or do they reinforce a singular, and perhaps exclusionary, vision of spirituality? This image invites us to reflect on the complexities of faith, its power to unite, and its potential to divide.